31st marine expeditionary unit: air, ground, and support assets
In nearly every military and humanitarian crisis that the United States has been involved in since World War II, projection forces have been deployed. These are the first units that are able to move into position with sufficient means to sustain prolonged military operations. The Fleet Marine Forces are these specialized units. A combination of air, ground, and support assets, the Marine Air Ground Task Forces maximize the combat power of each of these fighting elements.
The marine Expeditionary Unit or MEU is the smallest unit of the Marine Air Ground Task Forces. In collaboration with the Navy, these MEUs are the nation’s quick response team and are deployed in numerous locations around the world on very short notice. The MEU is led by a Marine Colonel. Approximately 2,200 Sailors and Marines will board three to four amphibious ships. These ships are designated as an Amphibious Squadron and have another 2,100 to 2,300 Sailors and Marines. The ships and men are known as an Amphibious Squadron led by a senior Navy Captain called Commodore. When joined together, the MEU and the Amphibious Squadron are known as an Amphibious Ready Group.
The 31st MEU is the only Forward Deployed Naval Force located in the Pacific-Asia region. There are four major elements to the MEU. The first is known as the CE or Command Element. This is the commanding officers and support staff. The main mission of the CE is to provide the command and coordination necessary for effective planning of operations. Reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and intelligence are also in the CE. All assets relating to reconnaissance, surveillance, and electronic countermeasure teams are also part of the CE.
The GCE or Ground Combat Element for the MEU is the BLT. This is a type of infantry battalion, but it’s also includes combat engineers, assault amphibian vehicles, artillery, and light armored vehicles. Each mission will require the tailoring of these pieces to meet expected needs.
The ACE or Aviation Combat Element provides both fixed wing and rotary air support. Depending upon the different missions and the space limitations, there may be only one squadron or a full Marine Aircraft wing. For the 31st MEU, it remains a reinforced squadron. Helicopters such as the CH-46, the CH-53E, and the UH-1N (known as the Huey) , as well as the AV08B Harrier and two C-130s remain on standby in Okinawa, Japan to be utilized as needed. Air traffic control and aircraft maintenance are also included with the ACE.
The last element is the LCE or the Logistics Combat Element. The Combat Logistics Battalion is the LCE that is partof the MEU. It provides combat support, supply, EOD, military police, pay serves, medical and dental services, and pay services. Fairly small in numbers, these 300 Marines and Sailors are responsible for wide range of capabilities and services.
The MEU is well suited for security operations, amphibious operations, and is an expeditionary force. It can operate in foreign lands without a base or facilities. Thoroughly trained in what is commonly called “METS,” the MEU can provide amphibious raids to humanitarian assistance.
If you or a loved one served in the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, then you should show your pride with one of the many styles of Marine rings. Beautifully designed, you can order these Marine rings with the 31st MEU emblem on the side or under the semi-precious stone on top. For those that want to show off their pride in the 31st MEU, these Marine rings are a great choice.
The Marine Corp Band – “The President’s Own”
For over 200 years, the United States Marine Band has been part of the happenings that have shaped the country. In 1798, Congress established the Marine Band and it’s the oldest continuously active musical organization in the country. Their mission is very unique – to provide music for the President of the United States. As the Marine Band moves into its third century, the tradition of excellence continues. Earning the title of “The President’s Own” from Thomas Jefferson, it’s the only musical organization that is charged with performing for the President. This is the music of America and this band performs in the White House, for the public, and on national tours.
The original Marine Band had 32 drummers and fifers. These men were deployed on ships or sent to Marine posts, but some were to remain in Philadelphia to provide music for government leaders. The first concert occurred in 1800 in Washington DC, near the spot where the Lincoln Memorial would eventually stand. In 1801, the Band performed at the White House for President John Adams on New Year’s Day. A few months later, the Marine Band performed for President Jefferson’s inauguration and for every subsequent inauguration afterwards.
The first time the Marine Band played “Hail to the Chief” was in 1829 to honor President Andrew Jackson. These musicians performed when the first cornerstone was laid for the Washington Monument in 1848. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln gave his now famous Gettysburg Address, followed by a performance by the Band.
In 1880, John Philip Sousa would become the 17th Leader of the Marine Band at the age of 25. For the next 12 years, the Marine Band would premier many of this composer’s most famous marches, as well as the first phonograph recordings. In 1886, the Marine Band led President Cleveland to New York Harbor for the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty.
In 1922, the Marine Band would be heard for the first time on radio and it would continue to be highlighted on a weekly program for the next 24 years. In 1943, Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt would enjoy a special wartime concert at the White House. The two leaders sang the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” the Band played at the conclusion of the concert, even though it was pouring down rain.In 1963, the Marine Band led the funeral procession of President Kennedy, at the request of his wife.
In 1973, the first female member of the Marine Band was enlisted. The first overseas concert was done in the Netherlands in 1985. Just a couple of years later, the band would perform in five different cities in the former Soviet Union. This is the only military band to tour in the USSR before it was transformed into independent states.
Members of the Marine Band must audition. The selection process, as well as the audition, is exceptionally difficult and only the best of the best will be offered a spot with this prestigious organization. One of the best ways to recognize this honor is with one of the many styles of Marine Corps Band rings. Elegantly designed and very personalized, Marine Band rings are sure to be an item of pride to the Band members. You can easily order these United States Marine Band rings online and present it to your friend or loved one who will where it with honor and pride.
Marine Scout/Snipers: One Shot, One Kill
The Marine Scout Sniper is not a primary MOS. It signifies that one has successfully completed the Scout Sniper School. In most cases, the main MOS is in reconnaissance or infantry. The main goal is to keep the enemy from freely moving from place to place. They are tasked with killing key personnel in the enemy’s forces. However, that is not all that these Marines do.
Scout Snipers are also tasked with providing surveillance and reconnaissance. This unit is considered to be the most elite forces in the United States military. They complete their training at Scout Sniper training centers. These schools teach the graduates marksmanship skills for long range fire from hidden positions to support various combat missions. The motto for this unit is “One shot, one kill.”
Most of the other military branches separate those who specialize in reconnaissance operations from those who are trained as snipers. In the Army, an “Infantry Scout” performs surveillance and reconnaissance operations. However, the Marines are the only branch to combine both sniper and scout training into one MOS.
The Scout Sniper Basic Course is certainly most difficult training in the Marine Corps. Most classes lose about 60% of the students, although it can go much higher. The schools are located a Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, Quantico, and Hawaii. There are many basic requirements in place that must be met, including requirements for vision, physical fitness, marksmanship, and overall mental health. The physical requirements alone are often enough to get many booted from the course.
The school includes extensive physical fitness training, marksmanship, field crafts, reconnaissance, surveillance, and other important training. Most of the Marines that are cut from the program find that it happens during the “Stalking” portion of the course. This part of the training requires hours of patience and dedication. It can take a lifetime to master. It involves moving towards an observation post without being detected.
The first Scout Sniper platoons appeared during World War II. Highly effective at reconnaissance, these units were often given support by light tanks. The first group was trained in Australia, but that training was also supplement by Great Britain, as well. Because the Sniper Scouts had such success in World War II, the Marines immediately began to develop a specialized training program of their own.
In Vietnam, Marine Sniper Scouts were vital to the success of the United States military. Besides utilizing the snipers skills, the surveillance and reconnaissance led to numerous successful artillery attacks. The Sniper Scouts were credited with capturing and eliminating many of the enemy forces that traditional military forces couldn’t get close enough to.
Those that have successfully completed the Marine Scout Sniper training are considered to be the most elite of this military branch. A great way to recognize their service and sacrifice is with a Marine Scout Sniper ring. Your loved is sure to wear a Marine Scout Sniper ring with a great deal of pride. You can order these and other military rings online.
The Never-Ending Style of Gold Military Rings
Throughout history gold has been used to enhance beauty and display wealth.
Gold military rings enhance skin tones and looks good on everyone.
Formerly gold jewelry was worn only by royalty and noblemen as an exhibit of their wealth and power.
In more recent times it has become accessible to the common man
through the technologies of alloys and plating.
Although the value of gold rises and falls over the short term,
its limited quantity in the world assures that its value will continue to go up over the long term
Gold military rings have been kept as an investment for centuries for members of the armed forces worldwide. Women have hidden away their gold jewelry in the event of their husbands’ demise or inability to provide.
Wealthy investors have collected gold, melted it into bars and secreted it in strongholds until the price rose.
Gold jewelry’s value is determined by a couple factors. The first is the skill and reputation of the designer.
The second is the actual amount of gold used in creating military rings. Gold is a very soft metal. If pure gold is used in jewelry, it would dent and scratch very easily during the course of a normal day of wear. Therefore, gold is usually mixed with harder metals before being fashioned into jewelry. The percentage of contained gold is stamped on all jewelry containing real gold. It is called a karat weight and is signified by the numbers 10K, 12K, 14K, 18K and 24K, with 24K being pure gold and the most expensive. In the United States it is important to note that any of these designations can be labeled, “solid gold,” as long as it is an alloy and not a gold-plated item. In other words, “solid gold” does not equate to “pure gold.”
Gold Military Rings
Colored gold is made by mixing gold with other metals. White gold is derived from gold mixed with palladium or nickel. Rose gold is made by adding copper to gold. A greenish tint can be obtained by adding white silver. Attractive braids and other intricate and beautiful patterns are achieved by using several tints in one piece of jewelry.
Gold plating is the layering of gold over another metal. This gives the appearance of expensive gold jewelry without the expense. It’s real gold, but not solid; the gold doesn’t go all the way through, so it costs less. The biggest problem with gold plating is that it doesn’t last. With use the gold rubs away exposing the less valuable and less attractive base metal. It is often purposefully and deceptively sold as solid gold, so be sure not to get duped!
Gold jewelry runs the gamut between small, delicate and reasonably priced to big, elaborate and impossibly expensive. Find an affordable spot in that range and invest in some beautiful and valuable gold military rings. It will provide beauty when worn and increase in value at the same time plus you will create a master piece for a family heirloom.
Military Plaques
Military Plaques for the Marine Corps
Plaques can vary in sizes and shapes and can be made of all types of woods
and other materials but in my opinion it’s always best to use a hardwood
as they are long lasting and when lacquered look fantastic. Marine plaques just like
any other military plaques offer the purchaser a excellent range in
terms of images and design.
A very popular on is the marine plaque in the shape of a heart
with the marine sword carefully place in the shape of an x behind it.
Military Plaques for Navy
The Navy plaque can be designed to reveal the name of a carrier you sailed in,
what rank you achieved throughout your career, whether you were a Navy
Officer or a Seabee the choices are endless. Details of your deployments can be engraved on the plaque also.
Military Plaques for Army
The Army which boasts of the largest department in the armed forces have probable also the largest selection of images to choose from. The unit, brigade and the battalion crests are very common on military plaques as is the Department of the Army insignia. Couple any of these with a campaign crest like Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom and you can create a plaque that will surely double as a treasured family heirloom. Imagine the pride that an item like this will instil in the heart of a young man or woman.
Military Plaques for Air Force
Flying high in the fastest aircraft on the planet having to make split second decision requires tremendous training and skill. Couple any unit crest with a campaign crest or a family coat of arms and you will have something that will take pride of place in any room in your home. Take the desert storm insignia with the name rank and the dates of deployment engraved underneath it on a Walnut plaque and you can design a masterpiece.
Military Plaques for Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard protects our shores and waterways from the perils of the undesirables twenty four hours a day throughout the year. For this we thank them and have designed a plaque in recognition of their bravery and unselfish attitude that we have observed since the day they were formed. The military plaques that we refer to in this posting are mostly the ones where you can engrave the details of the service member.
We also carry the embroideries which can have the family “Coat of Arms” embroidered in gold or silver thread and then framed in a frame of your choice.
Deployment Plaques for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
These are two deployments that most of us are familiar with, and I will not hesitate to say that they are extremely important in shaping the history of the modern world. These were brought about by the terrrible events of 911 when terrorists brough down the iconic building called the twin towers in Ney York and murdered thousands of innocent victims.
Available for OIF, OEF, ODS and Vietnam
